Umngazi Lodge and Nguni cows

Umngazi Lodge is a resort near Port St John’s on South Africa’s Wild Coast (formerly Transkei). My mother grew up in the Transkei and we spent a lot of time there when I was small, so it meant a lot to me to revisit it.

Umngazi is an incredible place, though the road to get there is HORRENDOUS.

Umngazi is completely self-contained, so you eat three meals a day plus morning and afternoon tea there. They have two shops – one with groceries, gifts, clothing and accessories, and one selling handicrafts, clothing and jewellery made by the staff.

Most of the accommodation overlooks the water, but we stayed in a garden chalet which was at the level we could afford. The bathroom was epic! The second door in the shower leads to an outdoor shower.

All the towel racks, doorhandles, hooks, rails, shelves and gates were made of driftwood

The spa is incredible. I had an Africology facial and a lash and brow dye which turned out to be the best one I have ever had. The prices were probably 25% of what I would normally pay, and the therapists were all from the local community. They offer Dermalogica, Environ, and Africology spa treatments and products.

The setting is lovely

 

My favourite part was the Nguni (indigenous) cattle that live in the surroundings. They spend a lot of time on the beach and are absolutely beautiful with the most gorgeous markings.

I bought a small carving by one of the staff members before I left. I love it.